I was talking to my daughter at lunch today and she asked me if she had told me about what she had discovered about the Spanish fondness for cured ham.
She said she had traveled all over Europe and did not see the cured hams that hang from the ceilings in the delicatessens as is common in Spain. Usually, in the smaller delicatessens they have about fifty to one hundred, "severed legs," as she calls them, hanging from the ceiling, each with a little paper cup hanging below to catch any grease that leeches out of the ham.
Here is a picture I took of some of the completely cured hams in a local supermarket, with prices ranging from about $80 to $150.
As you all know, the Moors conquered the southern part of Spain and it remained under their control for over 600 years. But, in January of 1492, a year, known to all Americans, the Moors surrended Granada,their last stronghold, to the Catholic King, and were finally driven out of Spain.
In July of the same year, the persecution of the Jews began and of those whose allegiance to the King and Catholicism was in doubt.
Many changed their names, but as Marie Antoinette was suppose to have said "Let them eat cake," the King would ferret out the non believers by declaring in effect, "Let them eat pork."
Thus came about the tradition of hanging hams on their doors and under the eves all around their houses to show they were the good guys. Of course they no longer do that but "Jamon Iberico" can be seen hanging in many places like bars, butcher's shops and delis. In like manner, the bars always seem to serve their cooked tapas with chirzo, (Spanish sausage) and other pork products.
Below is the one of the types of holders that are found in most Spanish households:
